Abstract:
Although the term itself was only developed in the 1970s, food security has played a central
role in policies that have shaped the history of South Africa from the 17th century. As with the
changing international interpretation of food security over the past four decades, South African
food security determinants have been interpreted differently by different ruling authorities and
governments over three centuries. The Natives Land Act of 1913 played a significant role in
determining the food security context of the country in terms of the character, composition
and contribution of the agricultural sector, shaped consumption patterns and determined rural
livelihoods. While food security is expressed as a national objective in a plethora of strategies
and programmes, no formal evaluation has been carried out of the food security impact of
these programmes, and there is a dire lack of coordination and no enforceable policy to
ensure food security. Any national food security policy will need a framework of enforceable
legislative measures and statutory coordination and reporting. This article explores the current
national and household food security and nutrition situation in South Africa, and it offers
recommendations for a comprehensive food security policy.
